What’s the best cure for a hangover? Water, not pills, Hong Kong pharmacists say
Experts remind public to watch out for their health and safety while drinking amid festivities
With the festive season just round the corner and bouts of heavy drinking expected from revellers, Hong Kong’s pharmacists warn that pills touted to cure hangovers may not be as effective as advertised, with water being the best remedy.
The Practising Pharmacists Association of Hong Kong said manufacturers of such products claim they could break down alcohol and reduce hangover symptoms, but the results were exaggerated, and there was no clinical evidence to support their use.
“Such medicine can be classified into three types – vitamins, herbs or intestines and stomach protectors. But the tablets do not break down alcohol,” association chairwoman Iris Chang Yee-man said.
“None of the hangover pills are scientifically proven to metabolise alcohol.”
She also warned drinkers not to drive after consuming the pills. “Some people think they can drive because they will not get drunk after taking the pills – that is wrong and disastrous.”